Photo by Alex Swider Alpena Wildcat Maddie Spomer slides into third base during game two of Alpena’s doubleheader against the Gaylord Blue Devils on Wednesday.

ALPENA – The Alpena Wildcats varsity softball team took both games of its doubleheader against the Gaylord Blue Devils on Wednesday, winning with 8-3 and 19-9. With the wins Alpena improves to 20-4 on the season and 8-0 in the Big North Conference.

Laura Poli delivered a standout performance in game one, driving in five runs with two hits. Poli launched a three-run home run to left field in the fifth inning and ripped a two-run double in the third, helping the Wildcats pull away.

Alpena jumped on the board early in the first when Maddie Spomer hit an RBI double that scored Paige Samp. A couple batters later, Georgia Alberts hit a ground ball RBI that drove in Spomer, giving the Wildcats a 2-0 advantage. Addisen Christensen added an inside-the-park home run in the fourth inning.

On the mound, Samp earned the win with an impressive five-inning performance, allowing no hits and no runs, with six strikeouts. Lexie Souva picked up the save.

The Wildcats exploded offensively in game two, recording 19 hits and rolling past the Blue Devils in a high scoring game.

Alpena jumped on Gaylord early, scoring two runs in the first inning on a Poli single and a Lilly Rospierski double. They added two more runs in the bottom of the second on RBI singles from Spomer and Poli, before adding eight runs in the fourth inning. Alpena showed patience at the plate all day, drawing nine walks.

Samp was on a roll, going four for four with two triples, two singles, and multiple RBIs. Spomer led the charge with a monster performance of her own, going five for six at the plate with six RBIs. Poli and Emma Darga each contributed multiple hits in the offensive outburst.

On the mound, Samp earned the win, throwing 2 1/3 innings of relief action with four strikeouts. Souva came on in relief to close out the game.

The Wildcats now turn their attention to their next opponent, welcoming the Dow Chargers on Saturday. Alpena fans should expect another exciting afternoon as the team continues its strong season.

Alpena Head Coach Paul Marwede said the win was important since it was against a respected conference opponent.

“We were able to keep them scoreless in the first inning of both games which I felt was important to do. Gaylord is well respected at the plate,” Marwede said. “Offensively, scoring early and often, and building a comfortable lead was crucial, and the top of our lineup delivered at the plate in their first at bats in both games.”

Next up, the Wildcats host the Midland Dow Chargers in a doubleheader on Saturday. Game one is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.

Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.